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Pictured: (from left) Margaret Sims, Daniel’s aunt, his cousin Michael Sims, Daniel’s father John Kennedy, mother Diane and brother James |
Tribute to tragic Daniel
Family unveils bench in honour of Arsenal fan
FAMILY and friends of tragic Daniel Kennedy, who jumped to his death from a Finsbury tower block, have gathered to pay tribute to the Arsenal-loving teenager.
A memorial bench – painted in Gunners red – was unveiled last Saturday to celebrate the life of Daniel, from Michael Cliffe House, on the Finsbury estate, who committed suicide two years ago.
Daniel, who suffered from depression, died in August 2005 after throwing himself from the ninth floor of the block where he lived.
His family and friends say they are determined to ensure such a death never happens again on the estate. In recent years four people have jumped to their deaths.
About 50 people watched as the bench was unveiled the day after what would have been Daniel’s 20th birthday. A brass plaque on the bench reads: “In loving memory of a dear son and brother. Daniel James Kennedy – 30/3/87 to 14/8/05. With love from family, friends and community.”
James, Daniel’s younger brother, has helped plant flowerbeds, which will bloom in Arsenal colours, next to the bench.
Daniel’s mother Diane said: “We want a lot of people to know this should be the last time anyone commits suicide from these flats. The bench is a tribute to Daniel and will hopefully highlight to people what he was going through and the problems faced by other young people.”
She added: “Saturday was a really lovely day and it was touching that so many people turned up. The atmosphere was brilliant and now the bench will be there for everybody to use.”
Mrs Kennedy has praised the work of Young Minds mental health charity and hopes to raise vital cash for it.
The £3,250 cost of the memorial was raised by Finsbury Estate Tenants and Residents Association (Fetra) and EC1 New Deal for Communities regeneration body.
Fetra treasurer Amanda Crawford said: “Daniel’s early death was very tragic, most particularly for his family, but also for everyone who knew him. It was, unfortunately, also a very sad reminder to all of us of others who have also lost their lives from Michael Cliffe House.
“We sincerely hope we might not only positively mark the memory of Daniel with this bench, but that it might also mark the last time such a tragic event occurs from Michael Cliffe House.” |
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